The news comes less than five months after Wal-Mart struck a deal with Chicago labor and community groups, clearing the way for a passel of new "urban format" stores in that city. Reports have popped up in recent weeks about Wal-Mart exploring other inner-city locations across the country.

Now, key District legislators, lured amid an economic downturn by the prospect of more jobs and low-priced goods for constituents, are at least willing to give Wal-Mart a chance. The retailer is seriously considering deals that would place smaller, grocery-focused stores at four city locations -- at the Capitol Gateway development at the city's eastern corner in Ward 7; at the Curtis Chevrolet site on Georgia Avenue in Ward 4; next to Gonzaga High School in Ward 6, near the Northwest One development area; and at New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road in Ward 5.

Council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), at the vanguard of the council's liberal wing, didn't play tough with the retailer in an interview this morning.

Wells said he's quite aware of the many arguments against the retailer -- low wages, no benefits, opposition to unions, predatory effect on small local businesses -- but he said he's "keeping an open mind."

District residents, he argued this morning, have a right to low, low prices as much as the suburbanite. "One of the arguments about gentrification and displacement, it's not just about the cost of housing, it's about the cost of groceries and other goods," he said.

Especially in becoming a grocery vendor, he said, "Wal-Mart may have a role in the city."

Council member Harry Thomas Jr., perhaps the single most reliable pro-labor vote on the council, is also assuming a soft stance for the moment.

"My No. 1 concern is ensuring we have full-time jobs and labor-based pay rates," he said. "The bottom line for me is bringing 800 jobs to the city." Thomas said he'd be meeting with labor leaders soon to discuss the idea.

Note that Thomas said "labor-based pay rates" and not "union jobs." Wells said it was his "understanding" that Wal-Mart was ready to agree to a Chicago-style labor deal to ease its way into town. The Chicago deal reportedly will start workers at $8.75 an hour with raises guaranteed a year after that. But that's still short of "living wage" standards, and far short of what workers in Safeway and Giant stores -- organized by the United Food and Commercial Workers -- make.

But union support is not monolithic. As much as the grocery workers might resent Wal-Mart's entry, the building trades, with the prospect of hundreds of construction jobs on the new developments, might be willing to support a deal -- as happened in Chicago.

Make no mistake: Thomas & Co. love the idea of bringing jobs to his ward, loves the idea of bring new retail and community amenities to his neighborhoods, but they don't want this blowing up in their face. Thomas said he's asked Wal-Mart reps to quickly conduct a telephone poll, then he plans to meet with community groups as soon as next week.

Thomas noted that Wal-Mart is not seeking any sort of city subsidy for its ventures -- in keeping with its practice elsewhere in the country. Furthermore, the sites under consideration appear to allow "matter of right" development -- meaning no additional, potentially contentious zoning changes would be necessary.

Some members are still treading carefully, however: Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 4 7) said that the new store "could be a great thing, but what have they done in the community?" she asked.

"Some residents want it, some residents don't," she said. "There are more big-box retailers than Wal-Mart."

I have lived in DC for 30 years but do most of my shopping in Virginia and Maryland because of the bad service, high prices, and poor selection in the District. If Walmart is allowed in DC, I will shop there. In addition, its presence will encourage small shop owners to get off their dead rear ends and compete.

Wherever Wal-Mart may build, their stores should be mixed use -- i.e., retail on the first one or two floors and residences and/or offices above. Even though the footprint of the urban format may be smaller than the big box stores in the suburbs, each one would still probably cover a substantial plot of land.

We are concerned about displacing residents whose best option currently may be to leave DC. Here's an opportunity to build apartments or condos or coops for a comfortable RANGE of incomes on the lower to middle range. For example, some could be work-force units; some could be for their employees.

Residents would be just above the Wal-Mart grocery store; and at least 2 of the sites are right by good public transportation. One is less than a block away from a Recreation Center and close to 5 schools.

Re their employment policies and practices: What sort of training do they offer their employees? What's their record on upward mobility within the company?

Another factor to consider is Wal-Mart's sources of products. What are the labor practices of their suppliers?? Long hours? Unusually low wages? Child labor? ....or does Wal-Mart support good labor practices by their suppliers?

What about the materials used in their products? Renewable resources or not? Limited use of pesticides on produce?

What about their carbon footprint and other ecological practices? Do they buy "local" whenever possible, thereby reducing transportation emissions? Do they use alternative energy sources? Do they keep storm water on site? Do they employ and/or train people in relevant "green" practices and technologies?

Wal-Mart is a big company that can make a difference. We can encourage them to make a positive difference in several different ways -- looking toward the future and helping the city meet some of its needs, while at the same time benefitting the Wal-Mart corporation.

Meet rich guys, hot babies, Hollywood celebrities, who are searching for their special someone. a place to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive sin gles. Maybe you wanna Check it out or tell your friends !!!

We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features.

User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.